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Page: Treatment
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Maintenance treatment
Treatment for Addison's disease involves replacing the missing cortisol and, if necessary, fludrocortisone as replacement for the missing aldosterone. Caution must be exercised when the person with Addison's disease has surgery or becomes pregnant. Treatment for an acute attack, an Addisonian crisis, usually involves intravenous (into blood veins) injections of:
* Cortisone (cortisol)
* Saline solution (basically a salt water, same clear IV bag as used to treat dehydration)
* Glucose
Cortisone must usually be continued for life. Medication may need to be increased during times of stress, infection, or injury.
Surgery
Surgeries may require significant adjustments to medication regimens prior to, during, and following any surgical procedure. The best preparation for any surgery, regardless of how minor or routine it may normally be, is to speak to one's primary physician about the procedure and medication implications well in advance of the surgery.
Pregnancy
Many women with Addison's have given birth successfully and without complication, both through natural labor and through cesarean delivery. Both of these methods will require different preventative measures relating to Addison's medications and dosages. As is always the case, thorough communication with one's primary physician is the best course of action. Occasionally, oral intake of medications will cause debilitating nausea and vomiting, and thus the woman may be switched to injected medications until delivery. Addison's treatment courses by the mother are generally considered safe for baby during pregnancy.
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Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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